How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Outside, fireworks blossomed against the inky night sky. Elodie glanced up, watching the bursts of color fade before turning to see Rosemary and Emile nearby, capturing the moment on video.

She could feel the old woman's concern for her, warm and genuine.

If it weren't for her grandmother shielding her these past years, life in the Silverstein family would have been even harder.

"Grandma, we didn't argue," Elodie said softly. "You know how it is—Jarrod and I hardly ever fight."

Most of their issues simmered in silence.

After all, arguments require some spark of feeling. But all Jarrod had for her was cold indifference, maybe even contempt.

For a moment, her grandmother was at a loss for words.

She understood. Even the closest couples have their share of squabbles— especially after years of marriage. Weren't Jarrod and Elodie supposed to be the most important people in each other's lives by now?

Yet the way they lived... it was as if they were strangers, bound together only by obligation.

Elodie had tried everything to warm the ice between them, but nothing seemed to work.

Jarrod simply didn't care.

He treated her like a business associate polite, detached, and never personal.

Her grandmother seemed at a loss, finally letting out a sigh. "You're right. Your grandfather and the others are getting on in years. You should spend time with them-it's no big deal as long as you two didn't fight. Still, I'll have another talk with that stubborn boy. Don't worry, darling, I won't let him take you for granted!"

Elodie knew how much her grandmother worried over her marriage.

After a long pause, she finally replied, gently, "Grandma, it's all right. There's no need."

They were already divorced-there was no point in fixing what was broken.

Maybe, with this hint, it would be easier for her to accept things

but finally relented, "All right... Just enjoy your time with your family, and wish them a happy New Year

"I will."

ending the call, Elodie let out

moment, then decided to borrow the hotel kitchen and make a few treats for her grandparents. Her grandmother had a sweet tooth, but her blood sugar was unpredictable-most of

hotel staff were

a simple batch

baking, her

checked her messages-it

back? Mom said you're not

You know I have

are you? Say

you jealous or something? Fine, I'll call you 'sis-in-law' for once. Just don't tell Sylvie, okay? Now will you come home and make

Elodie's expression didn't change.

she wanted something, and her tone was always imperious, as if doing Elodie

when Lucinda was obsessed with her antiques investments and always traveling, she'd leave

her, meeting her every demand, but Octavia had

time when Octavia had

appeared, Octavia

or plain rebellion, Elodie saw no reason to keep indulging her—especially after all the times Octavia had hurt

Octavia's chat,

she locked her phone and

ended up with three boxes

she messaged Freya, asking her to

sending her a doctor's contact, even though the doctor still hadn't replied.

while chatting

Year's countdown on TV with Rosemary

received a message

Year's without